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General Dynamics NASSCO Begins Construction on First Ship in the T-AO Fleet Oiler Program for U.S. Navy

September 21, 2018

SAN DIEGO – On September 20, 2018, General Dynamics NASSCO, a wholly owned subsidiary of General Dynamics (NYSE: GD), began construction on the future USNS John Lewis (T-AO 205), the first ship for the U.S. Navy’s John Lewis fleet oiler program.

Representatives from NASSCO and the U.S. Navy gathered in San Diego for a ceremony to cut the first piece of steel, signifying the start of construction for the first of six vessels for the U.S. Navy. Construction of the first ship is scheduled to be complete in November 2020.

Designed to transfer fuel to U.S. Navy carrier strike group ships operating at sea, the oilers will feature the capacity to carry 157,000 barrels of oil, a significant dry cargo capacity, aviation capability and a speed of 20 knots. “These oilers are critical to the Navy’s ability to operate around the world,” said Kevin Graney, President of General Dynamics NASSCO. We are honored to build the lead ship of this class and have worked with our Navy and industry partners to ensure the design, planning, material and facility are ready to begin construction. ”

NASSCO is the largest shipyard on the West Coast of the United States conducting design, new construction and repair of ships. In the past decade, NASSCO delivered more than 30 ocean-going ships to government and commercial customers—including the world’s first LNG-powered containerships and several other lead ships.

About General Dynamics

General Dynamics is a global aerospace and defense company. Our broad portfolio of products and services includes business aviation; combat vehicles, weapons systems and munitions; IT and C4ISR solutions; and shipbuilding and ship repair.